Advanced Graduate Certificate In Qualitative Research

Program Overview

The Advanced Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research at UNLV provides students with specialized knowledge and skills in qualitative research methods. The program emphasizes understanding scientific rigor, designing and conducting studies, analyzing data, and writing research reports. Graduates are prepared for careers in research, evaluation, and consulting in various settings, including universities, research firms, and non-profit organizations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Advanced Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research (QRM) is housed within the Department of Educational Psychology and Higher Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). The certificate program is designed to provide students with a specialized understanding of the practice and application of qualitative research in various social settings. The objectives of the program are to:

• Facilitate students' understanding of contemporary standards of scientific rigor in qualitative research
• Develop students' capacity for designing and conducting naturalistic studies
• Enhance students' ability to analyze and interpret qualitative data
• Train students in writing substantive qualitative research reports
The program is particularly relevant for individuals who need to understand climate and culture in their local work environments and who need to produce research-based practices and results regarding the lived experiences of their personnel, clients, and/or stakeholders.

Outline:

The Advanced Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research is a 12-credit program that typically takes one to two years to complete. The program coursework includes:

• Methods Core (9 credits):
• EPY 718 - Qualitative Research Methodologies
• EPY 719 - Advanced Qualitative Research
• EPY 729 - Qualitative Case Study Research
• Elective Courses (3 credits):
• EPY 728 - Applied Classroom Research
• EPY 738 - Discourse Analysis
• EPY 791 - Special Topics in Educational Psychology

Assessment:

The assessment methods used in the program include:

• Assignments and projects
• Class participation
• Research paper
The assessment criteria are based on the following:
• Clarity of writing
• Logical flow of ideas
• Depth of analysis
• Originality of research

Teaching:

The teaching methods used in the program include:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Group projects
• Hands-on research experience
The faculty involved in the program are experienced researchers with expertise in qualitative research. They are committed to providing students with a high-quality learning experience.

Careers:

The Advanced Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research can lead to a variety of career opportunities in research, evaluation, and consulting. Graduates of the program may work in a variety of settings, including:

• Universities and colleges
• Research firms
• Non-profit organizations
• Government agencies
Graduates of the program will be qualified for positions such as:
• Research scientist
• Evaluation specialist
• Consultant
• Policy analyst